Governor Mitt Romney Announces Arizona Finance Steering Committee

Tuesday, Jan 30, 2007

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Kevin Madden (857) 288-6390

 

Boston, MA - Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the Romney for President Exploratory Committee Arizona Finance Steering Committee. Together, the Finance Steering Committee will help Governor Romney raise the resources needed to campaign in Arizona and across the nation.

 

"I am gratified to have the support of these outstanding men and women. The team we have put together in Arizona is a collection of some of the state's best, most energetic and most committed leaders. With their help, I know our vision for the future will be heard loudly in Arizona," said Governor Romney.

 

The Steering Committee, along with many others, held its first meeting on Thursday, January 25, in preparation for Governor Romney?s next visit to Arizona.

 

Governor Romney has made numerous trips to Arizona meeting with top business and political leaders, in addition to numerous members of the Arizona media.

 

In addition to today?s announcement regarding Governor Romney?s finance team in Arizona, the campaign will soon be announcing its political team and endorsements in Arizona.

 

Background On The Committee's Arizona Finance Steering Committee:

 

Co-Chair Paul And Susan Gilbert: One of Arizona's most recognized attorneys, Paul Gilbert is co-founder of the Beus Gilbert Law Firm in Scottsdale, Arizona. Gilbert and his wife, Susan, recently attended and participated in Governor Romney's successful $6.5 million "National Call Day" in Boston.

 

Co-Chair Lee Hanley: Hanley is the Founding Principal and Chairman of Vestar, one of America's leading developer/managers of large scale retail shopping centers. Lee has served on a wide variety of civic and charitable boards in the Phoenix area. Hanley also participated in Governor Romney's "National Call Day."

 

Co-Chair Kevin DeMenna: DeMenna previously served as Finance Chairman for Arizona's 2002 Republican gubernatorial nominee. Last Friday, he was recognized by the Arizona State Republican Party with its Harry Rosenzweig Award for being the state's top Republican fundraiser. He was recently recognized by the Arizona Capitol Times as being among the most influential people at the State Capitol.

 

Co-Chair Harry Cavanagh: Cavanagh has been a pillar in Arizona's business, legal and philanthropic communities since moving to the state decades ago. He was the founder of the O'Connor Cavanagh Law Firm and is now the namesake of the Phoenix-based Cavanagh Law Firm.

 

Co-Chair Wil Cardon: Cardon is the President & CEO of The Cardon Group, one of Arizona's most active and well known real estate companies.

 

State Finance Director Corinne Lovas: Lovas is considered the top political fundraiser in Arizona and the Southwest. She has enjoyed countless successes on behalf of U.S. Senator Jon Kyl, President Bush's 2004 re-election campaign, the Republican National Committee and numerous other Republican candidates and causes.

 

 

 

Governor Mitt Romney Announces Support of James Bopp, Jr.

Tuesday, Jan 30, 2007

 

Boston, MA - Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that James Bopp, Jr., will be joining the Romney for President Exploratory Committee as Special Adviser on Life Issues.

 

"For almost three decades, Jim has been at the center of the fight to protect the sanctity of human life. Representing numerous national and state pro-life and pro-family organizations, he has helped defend the rights of those seeking to promote life," said Governor Romney. "Jim will be a powerful spokesman for my vision of a greater tomorrow. I look forward to his counsel derived from many years of service and to working with him as we move forward."

 

With today's announcement, Jim Bopp said: "As Governor, Mitt Romney has stood side-by-side with those seeking to protect the weakest and most innocent of our society. In one of our country's most liberal states, he has acted to protect the sanctity of life. Governor Romney's record on fundamental life issues is one of not just words but action. I am proud to count myself among his supporters."

 

Background on James Bopp, Jr.:

 

James Bopp, Jr., Has Had A Long Distinguished Career Practicing Law And In Public Service. At the law firm of Bopp, Coleson & Bostrom, Bopp's practice focuses on non-profit corporate and tax law, on campaign finance and election law, on life issues including abortion, and on U.S. Supreme Court practice. His clients have included the National Right to Life Committee, Focus on the Family, Susan B. Anthony List, All Children Matter, Catholic Answers, Christian Broadcasting Network, Gerard Health Foundation, Priests for Life, Traditional Values Coalition, Salem Radio, Vision America, the Christian Coalition, and the Republican parties of Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Rhode Island, Texas, and Vermont. He has argued numerous campaign finance cases in defense of pro-life, pro-family, conservative and Republican party groups, including four cases in the U.S. Supreme Court. He also serves as General Counsel for the James Madison Center for Free Speech and is a member of the Republican National Committee. He is a veteran of all levels of government.

 

 

 

Governor Mitt Romney Names Additions to Iowa Leadership and Staff

Tuesday, Jan 30, 2007

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Tim Albrecht (515) 491-2722

 

Boston, MA - Governor Mitt Romney announced today that former Iowa House Speaker Brent Siegrist (R-Council Bluffs) and former First Congressional District candidate Brian Kennedy (R-Bettendorf) will serve as advisers to his Presidential Exploratory Committee.

 

"Iowa is a critical state, and we are building a strong organization with talented and experienced people. After stopping in Waterloo, Fairbank, and Dubuque last Friday, I could see that our supporters are motivated and energized. With the help of this experienced leadership, I know our Exploratory Committee will continue to have a strong presence in Iowa," said Governor Romney.

 

The two join Chairman Doug Gross, Rich Schwarm, State House Republican Leader Christopher Rants, and adviser David Kochel on Governor Romney's Iowa leadership team.

 

"We are methodically putting together a team on the ground that combines the experience and knowledge needed for a successful caucus campaign," said Gross. "As we begin looking toward a possible presidential campaign, this team will offer serious guidance and advice for Governor Romney's Iowa efforts."

 

Kennedy will provide critical leadership in Iowa's First Congressional District, which covers 12 counties in northeast Iowa. Included in the District is Dubuque and Waterloo, where Romney drew large crowds last Friday.

 

"Governor Romney will appeal to Iowans in each corner of the state," said Kennedy. "As people see and talk to him, they are impressed and want to be involved. I believe that as Governor Romney travels our state, his message will resonate. I am excited about this campaign."

 

Governor Romney also announced his Iowa staff today. Joining the Iowa leadership team will be Gentry Collins as State Director, Jill Latham as Political Director, Nicole Schlinger as Straw Poll Director and Tim Albrecht as Communications Director.

 

Background On The Iowa Staff:

 

Gentry Collins - State Director: In 2003-04, he served as Executive Director for the Republican Party of Iowa, where President Bush carried the state for Republicans for the first time in 20 years. Last campaign cycle, Collins served as Political Director for the Republican Governors Association.

 

Jill Latham - Political Director: In the last campaign cycle, Latham, an Alexander native, served as Political Director for the Republican Party of Wisconsin. In 2003-04, she was field staff on the Bush-Cheney Wisconsin presidential campaign.

 

Nicole Schlinger - Straw Poll Director: Nicole is President and founder of Capitol Resources, Inc., Iowa's largest fundraising and event management firm for Republican candidates. Prior to starting Capitol Resources in 1999, she was the Finance Director for the Republican Party of Iowa.

 

Tim Albrecht - Communications Director: Albrecht was field staff on the Forbes 2000 presidential caucus campaign, and most recently served as Director of Communications for House Speaker Christopher Rants.

 

 

 

 

In Case You Missed It: Governor Mitt Romney on "Nightline"

Tuesday, Jan 30, 2007

 

ABC's "Nightline"

January 29, 2007

 

Click Here to Watch Interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnzmBaDBMEE

 

ABC's Terry Moran On The Trail With Governor Mitt Romney:

 

ABC's TERRY MORAN: "One of the contenders you might not have heard much about yet. The competition for the Republican nomination's wide open, so pay attention to the man from Massachusetts, Mitt Romney, and the big question about him. How much will his faith be a factor? I spent the day with him in Iowa as part of our series, 'The Contenders.'"

 

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: "Wow. Look at the size of this group. Oh, my."

 

MORAN: "Mitt Romney, a Republican candidate for president, sure is nice."

 

...

 

MORAN: "He's personable, polite, cheerful, nice all the time, it seems."

 

...

 

MORAN: "Do you find people know you out here?"

 

GOVERNOR ROMNEY: "They don't yet. But that's exactly what I mean. That's an itch. I mean, you know, we got a year to go. So it's just a lot of trips, get to know people, learn who they are on a personal basis. They get to know you."

 

...

 

MORAN: "But a lot of people think Mitt Romney is going to be a formidable candidate. He's got the money, the skills, the looks, and the track record that might appeal to a lot of Republicans."

 

...

 

MORAN: "Romney is definitely smooth, polished, a political pro."

 

GOVERNOR ROMNEY: "When you face challenges, you go to your core beliefs. And I happen to believe something about America's source of strength."

 

MORAN: "He's already assembled a top-flight campaign team. They managed to pack every event when we were with him. And he's done his homework on the issues. Here he is at a massive ethanol plant in rural Iowa."

 

GOVERNOR ROMNEY: "As a nation, we need to support the development of new technologies and the adoption of new technologies so that we can free ourselves from the non-market OPEC stranglehold on energy in this country."

 

...

 

MORAN: "As he ends this campaign day with a lot more ahead of him, Mitt Romney seems full of hope. Hope that Republicans and Americans, in general, are ready for a new face, a pretty handsome one at that, and a new voice, a voice that just happens to belong to a Mormon."

 

Governor Mitt Romney On His Faith:

 

MORAN: "But there's something else about Mitt Romney, something that makes him different from every other candidate. He's a Mormon. Would you describe yourself as a devout Mormon? True believer?"

 

GOVERNOR ROMNEY: "Absolutely. I'm proud of my faith. It's part of my heritage. I think the American people respect individuals of faith. That's the kind of person they wanna lead the country."

 

Governor Mitt Romney On His Pro-Life Record:

 

MORAN: "What's your position on abortion?"

 

GOVERNOR ROMNEY: "I'm pro-life."

 

...

 

MORAN: "Your critics say you're flip-flopping rather conveniently when you're running for president."

 

GOVERNOR ROMNEY: "Well, you know, we all learn from experience. And I'm just like other people in this nation. Not everything I believed 12 or 13 years ago is the same today, with regards to the issue of abortion. And so about two years ago, I said I am pro-life. And prior to that time, I had a different position."

 

Governor Mitt Romney On Iraq:

 

MORAN: "Was it the right thing for the United States to invade Iraq?"

 

GOVERNOR ROMNEY: "Well, I supported the President at the time. He indicated that based on intelligence, we had weapons of mass destruction, a threat to this land. He proposed a solution and I supported it. And I'm not going back in trying to second-guess that. I don't have the data or inside sources to suggest doing that."

 

...

 

GOVERNOR ROMNEY: "There's no question about the fact that we have not conducted the war as effectively as we might ... and it's been problematic and has caused part of the problems we face today."